DaVinci Connection – March 8, 2024

DaVinci Academy’s inaugural fundraising gala, themed after the roaring 20s extravaganza of The Great Gatsby, was an overwhelming success, thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of our supporters. The glitz and glamour of the evening were matched only by the incredible contributions we received. We are thrilled to announce that our efforts culminated in raising nearly $30,000!

To all our esteemed guests, your presence and participation in the evening’s festivities made the event truly unforgettable. From the lively games to the spirited conversations, your involvement added an extra layer of joy to the occasion. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support.

A special note of appreciation goes out to our event sponsors, whose generous contributions helped make this gala possible: Rochon Corporation, JB Vang, Kottkes’ Bus Services, Jensen Sondrall Persellin & Woods, P.A., junebird creative, Psychotherapy & Healing Associates, Edward Jones – Jeremy Weston, Rivera Architects, Spring Lake Park Lions, Elk River Lions, Coon Rapids North Star Lions, Blaine Central Lions. Your support is invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership in our mission.

The silent auction was a highlight of the evening, and its success is a testament to the generosity of our community. The spirited bidding and enthusiastic participation exceeded our expectations, further fueling our commitment to our cause.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that plans are already underway for another gala next year. We hope to see you all there, ready to once again join us in celebration and support of DaVinci Academy.

A special thank you to our emcee for the evening, Mike Jones, singer Nick Manthe, and photographer Maija Norwood. 

Last but certainly not least, we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the Gala Committee whose countless hours of hard work and dedication made this event possible. Annelise Draheim, Jeremy Weston & April Weston, Dan Rhinhart, Deborah Weston, Diane Peters, Holly Fischer, Kelly Zender, Kristen Steinberg, Linda Nezerwe, Mary Van Stee, Summer Olson, and Tasa Leikvoll – your tireless efforts and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on our community. Thank you for your exceptional contributions.

As we reflect on the success of our inaugural gala, we are filled with gratitude and optimism for the future. Together, we have made a meaningful difference in the lives of our students, and we look forward to continuing this journey with all of you by our side.

Thanks,

Dan Rhinhart

Communications and Development Manager

The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) administration will occur during the following weeks:

• April 3-5: Grades 3-5 Reading
• April 17-19: Grades 6-8 Reading
• April 22-23: Grades 3-5 Math
• April 24-26: Grades 6-8 Math
• May 1-3: Grades 5 and 8 Science

Make-up testing (if students are absent or do not finish the assessment during the scheduled time) may take place outside of these times. 

MCAs are aligned to the Minnesota Academic Standards and show if students are growing and/or meeting grade-level expectations. The results are also used at DaVinci to analyze curriculum effectiveness and determine areas for growth.

Elementary teachers will be communicating specific testing dates with their students’ families, so keep an eye out for that information. Middle school students will test in their language arts, math, and science classes.

In order to ensure students do their best and show what they know, you can do the following at home:

• Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and eats a healthy breakfast on testing days.
• Remind your child that staff members (teachers and paraprofessionals) cannot assist with the tests – simply encourage your child to do their best and show what they know!
• Let your child know that you are proud of all they have accomplished this year!
• The MCA test may feel overwhelming for some students due to the test security protocols that must be in place. (For example, teachers must read from a script, and only one student per classroom may use the restroom at one time.) Remind your child of all of the other types of assessments they’ve taken this year and help alleviate any nerves. Explain the reasons students take the MCAs (above).

If you have any questions about MCA testing, please contact Amy Erendu, Academic Director, at aerendu@davincicharterschool.org.

The DaVinci character trait for March is Perseverance

Perseverance, the character trait for March, embodies the essence of determination and resilience in the face of adversity. In our journey through life, we encounter numerous obstacles and setbacks that threaten to derail our progress. However, it is our ability to persevere through these challenges that ultimately defines our success and shapes our character.

“We all experience challenges in our lives and have moments when we feel like we can’t do something” -Character Strong. Or we might want to give up on a task that seems impossible. We should focus on developing/using tools that will help us push through those challenging times, so that we can grow and learn from our experiences. 

Here are 4 ways to develop perseverance: 

• Start small- Set realistic goals 
• Give praise- To yourself and others for your efforts 
• Focus on your strengths 
• Develop a growth mindset

 4 Ways to Build Perseverance

In recognizing and celebrating the importance of perseverance, students may receive character awards and recognition for demonstrating this trait at school throughout the month of March. By fostering a culture that values resilience and determination, we empower individuals to overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and ultimately realize their full potential.

Thanks!

Congratulations to all our talented students from DaVinci who showcased their innovative ZooMS STEM projects at the Minnesota Zoo earlier this week. It’s fantastic to see the strong representation from our school, with a total of 10 teams selected to participate out of 240.

Our scholars truly excelled at ZooMS, demonstrating their dedication and creativity. They not only participated but also brought home a remarkable array of awards, showcasing their outstanding achievements and contributions to the event.

Congratulations to the these team for this recognition.  

1st Place Exhibition Design:

• Sharon I.
• Anoushka K.
• Samhita S.
• Zahrah S.

2nd Place Exhibit Design!

• Charleigh L.
• Hubanna S.
• Kaelee C.
• Eloise A.

Conservation Award winners:

• Sophia M.
• Alice B. A.
• Salim S.
• Olena B.
• Makya B.

Creative Interpretation Award winners:

• Naomi E.
• Eliana A.
• Chaya D.

Let’s also give a huge shout-out to our teacher leaders 7th-grade Science teacher Mrs. Brown, and STEM teacher, Mrs. Arboleda.

Hello DaVinci Families,

As we journey through the complexities of adolescence, it’s crucial to remain attentive to the mental and physical well-being of your student. This month, I’d like to draw attention to a topic often overlooked but with potentially serious consequences: eating disorders. Recognizing the signs and knowing how to seek assistance is vital in fostering a lifelong healthy relationship with food and body image for your student.

Understanding Eating Disorders:

Eating disorders can present themselves in various forms, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Warning signs may include significant fluctuations in weight, preoccupation with food or body image, and unhealthy eating patterns. It’s important to recognize that eating disorders can affect individuals of any gender, background, or body type.

What to Watch For:

• Physical Changes: Sudden weight loss or gain, extreme fatigue, abdominal discomfort, dizziness, and alterations in hair, skin, or nails.
• Behavioral Changes: Regular or newfound dieting, secretive eating behaviors, abnormal eating patterns, excessive exercising, and social withdrawal.
• Emotional Changes: Heightened irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or depression.

Seeking Help:

If your student is struggling with an eating disorder, or you suspect that they are, seeking help is a crucial step towards recovery. Here are some resources available to you and your student:

• Professional Help: Consult with healthcare professionals, such as physicians, dietitians, and mental health specialists.
• National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): NEDA offers a helpline and valuable resources for those in need. The phone number is: 1-800-931-2237
• School Counselors: Our dedicated counseling team is here to provide support and guidance.

Fostering a Positive Environment:

We all have a role to play in cultivating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. Advocate for body positivity, self-acceptance, and empathy. Refrain from making negative remarks about weight or appearance, and be mindful of how media, societal standards, and social media influence perceptions of beauty.

Together, we can build a community that values and champions the well-being of every individual. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that seeking help is a display of strength.

Stay well,

Nurse Cassie, RN

Meet our next Featured Volunteer: Mary Van Stee!

Why did you decide to start volunteering at DaVinci?

After my youngest started Kindergarten last year, I found myself with more time and started looking for more time-intensive volunteer opportunities at DaVinci to help out and give back to the community we were a part of. I started by volunteering in the Library a couple of days a week, which is still one of the high points of my week. You’ll currently find me there a couple of afternoons a week or any time we’re having a book fair!

I also signed up to help out on the Gala Committee last year, figuring as a graphic designer I could just do some design work for them and maybe help with set up or something. As time went on, I got more involved though and ended up helping out in small ways with almost all the planning aspects for the event and got to be part of a real adventure as we put on our first annual gala just the other day. The team that worked on the gala was amazing, and I was so grateful to get to know so many new people who are a part of this community and see how everyone came together to raise funds for our school and put on an amazing event.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering at DaVinci?

I love getting to talk to kids when they come up to the library circulation desk to check out books. I love hearing how excited they are about the book(s) they chose and why they chose them. The smiles I get from kids who have started to recognize me each week absolutely make my day, and it always makes me smile when a student calls me “Ms. Penny’s Mom” or “Ms. Luke’s Mom.”

What is your favorite volunteer activity?

The library is still my go-to place. As a total bookworm, I love being around all the books, and it’s a place the students are always excited to be visiting, which makes it a room filled with joy every day. I also love organizing tasks like shelving, covering new books, and adding call number stickers – I just enjoy working with the books. Mrs. Howell is a treasure who has taught me so much about how libraries work, and I’m very thankful she’s here at our school.

Thank you for all that you do, Mary! We appreciate you!

P.S.

Please click here for a current list of volunteer opportunities!

Just a friendly reminder that DaVinci is hosting its first ever Girls On The Run team this Spring! Registration opened up on February 1st, and there are still spots available!  See below for more details!

Girls on the Run is an afterschool program that uses the power of being active to prepare 3rd – 5th-grade girls and non-binary kids for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. Throughout the 8-week, 16-lesson season, participants will learn life-changing lessons about healthy friendships, teamwork, decision-making, self-respect, and more, all while preparing to complete a 5K. Open to all 3rd – 5th-grade kids and non-binary/gender-expansive youth; no previous running experience is required, and generous financial aid is available. Registration opened up on February 1st, and you can sign up at www.gotrmn.org! Our season will practice every Monday & Wednesday from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m., April 1 – June 2, culminating with a celebratory Girls on the Run 5K the weekend of June 1-2. 

Space is limited so register early! Visit www.gotrmn.org or contact Lindsey Gable at lgable@davincicharterschool.org for more information.

We have some very exciting events planned in the coming months, including 2 March fundraisers! See below for more details.

Gerten’s Plant Sale Fundraiser (online) has begun, and ends Monday, March 25th.  Orders will be delivered and ready for pick up at DaVinci on May 1st.  PTO will receive 30% of sales, and 15% of plant card sales.  Please see flier for more details!

• www.gertensfundraising.com Store ID: 968

Texas Roadhouse Dinner Roll Fundraiser (online) is also well under way through March 20th.  Rolls will be delivered and ready for pick up on March 25th.  PTO will receive 50% of the proceeds, and 10% of gift card sales. Please see flier for more details!

• https://txrhgiftcards.com/collections/txrh-10-100-5-brd-1?ref=261DavinciAcademy2024

GLOW middle school party is scheduled for Friday, May 10th!  LOTS of fun activities planned for grades 6-8 at this event!  More details to come as the date gets closer!

End-of-Year Carnival is scheduled for Friday, June 7th, and the planning committee has also been putting together details for that.

The Equity Committee is thrilled to announce we will be having another Family Night In event on March 28, 2024, from 6:30-8:00 pm. This will be a great opportunity to come together and enjoy one another’s company as a DaVinci community! 

We are looking to have families donate concessions so that families can attend the event without the obligation of spending money. We are hoping to use this sign-up genius which would allow each attendee 1 piece of pizza, 1 cookie, 1 drink, and 1 bag of chips. If your family can help donate requested items to make this happen it would be so appreciated! Check out the sign-up genius link to see how you can help make this happen! 

The Equity Committees are looking forward to seeing you there for a fun night of games, laughter, and community! 

-Sara Sweeney & Brenda Maulik 

Due to overcrowding on the Orange bus, it is necessary to change one of our stops to alleviate congestion and ensure the safety and comfort of all students. 

Starting March 19, 2024, 129th Ave NE & Harper ST NE stop will be moved to the Black bus. It will no longer be available on the Orange bus.

We understand that the morning rush can be hectic. Still, by collectively practicing good parking lot etiquette and using the main entrance when directed, we can make a significant impact on the punctuality of our students. Please do not hold up a line of cars by waiting to use the East door entrance.

Please also note, the Bunker Lake Blvd. entrance is closed to incoming traffic on Mondays 8:30-9:00 am, and Tuesday-Friday 7:30-8:00. Parents may exit onto Bunker Lake Blvd. after dropping off at the main entrance. 

Thanks for your cooperation.

Winter weather is (kind of) here! Please remember to send a jacket, hat, and gloves (labeled with your child’s name) with your child when cooler temperatures are forecasted. We do go outside daily and we want to ensure students are not chilly.  Check the forecast, and then dress appropriately.